It was almost as though they were playing in front of Martin Brodeur. For the first time since their franchise goalie went down, the Devils won Devils style.
Visiting dignitaries complained of ennui, the visiting team left Newark pointless, and the Devils looked more like their familiar selves, this time in front of Scott Clemmensen.
Suddenly, the Devils can match their longest winning streak (three) of the season when the Islanders visit Newark tonight. For the first time in nearly a month, the Devils and Clemmensen own consecutive victories after beating the Panthers 3-1 last night in Newark, the first time they won in regulation since Nov. 1, the night Brodeur was injured.
“I would hope they’re getting more comfortable about not having Marty in net, with myself and Kevin Weekes to provide support in low-scoring affairs,” Clemmensen said after squaring his season record at 2-2.
Clemmensen helped halt the Devils’ four-game losing streak with an uncharacteristic 6-5 shootout victory over Washington Saturday. Weekes’ victory was a 4-3 shootout triumph over Tampa Bay Nov. 5.
This game, scoreless into the second, one goal into the third, was more the sort the Devils have won with Brodeur for over a decade.
“Devils games are low-scoring, close games. That’s the way this team plays,” Clemmensen said.
More than 20 NHL scouts were on hand last night, but if any were trying to drum up a deal to send a goalie to New Jersey, Clemmensen kept the market soft, improving New Jersey’s record since Brodeur’s injury to 3-5.
Coach Brent Sutter lauded Clemmensen, but wouldn’t name his starter for tonight’s visit by the Islanders. Weekes hasn’t played since being relieved in a loss to the Rangers Nov. 12.
“The goaltender played very well; big saves at key times. That’s what you want from your goalie,” Sutter said.
After the Devils outshot Florida 12-5 in the scoreless first, the Panthers responded with a 10-1 second-period edge. But that one Devils shot was Patrik Elias’ fourth goal in three games.
Brian Gionta was sandwiched by Bryan McCabe and Jassen Cullimore at the end boards, but McCabe lost his stick, and Gionta freed the puck for Dainius Zubrus, moving back up along the right boards.
Zubrus sent the puck low to Gionta, who hit Elias, a step ahead of Gregory Campbell, alone in front of Tomas Vokoun. Elias gave Vokoun the backhand move for his eighth of the season.
Paul Martin gave the Devils insurance at 5:49 of the third, stepping around a sliding block from the left point toward the slot to whip his first of the season through John Madden’s screen. Gionta followed 1:02 later, steering in Elias’ feed to the goalmouth for his fourth.
Michael Frolik spoiled Clemmensen’s shutout bid at 8:42 of the third.
Reactions are positive for “Uniting Nations: Patrik Elias in Belize,” the hour-long documentary on Elias’ UNICEF benefit trip there in September. It’s being re-aired at 4 p.m. today on the NHL Network.
Devils 3
Panthers 1